Copa America: Vargas scores hat-trick as Chile thump Mexico 7-0

Santa Clara (United States): Eduardo Vargas scored four goals as holders Chile sent Mexico spinning to a historic 7-0 defeat to reach the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Saturday.

Chile's Eduardo Vargas

Hoffenheim forward completed a hat-trick in 13 minutes either side of half-time to send Chile into a semi-final against Colombia.

Vargas grabbed his fourth goal in the 74th minute to give Chile a 6-0 lead. Edson Puch added a seventh while Alexis Sanchez scored one for Chile.

Goals for momVargas later dedicated his performance to his mother, who was earlier this week diagnosed with a heart problem in his homeland. “I’m very happy with the performance, I dedicate it to my mum and my family,” Vargas said.

“We started this tournament badly but we're getting stronger and stronger with every match,” he added.

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said, “I offer my sincere apologies to the Mexican fans, to all the Mexican people. What we saw today was a disgrace, an accident of football,” he added. “But there is not seven goals difference between Chilean and Mexican football.”